Cascade Terrace

New sculptural staircase links three levels of terrace house.

Cascade Terrace knits together and unifies an original Victorian terrace with a 1980s added twin, to create a retreat for a couple to age in a home they have loved, with more space, light and views to a nearby park.

 

 

Despite the extra width, the 1980s addition had left the co-joined terraces with a cramped kitchen and living room with low ceilings, and awkward connection between various levels.

Key to the resolution is a new sculptural staircase of white painted steel and timber that spirals its way to link three levels of living, sleeping, bathing and study spaces, drawing light deep into the terrace. The main living room is extended and the ceiling height raised. Access between a lower level living area and a once under-utilised garden is transformed with a large corner-opening overlooking the pool.

Pivoting timber shutters prevent overlooking and over-exposure to the morning sun, enabling the new main bedroom to enjoy expansive views of nearby parklands throughout the day. New timber window and door frames, joinery and floors unify the internal spaces. Externally painted brick walls contrast the finely crafted timber framed openings and shutters.

The owners love the cosy and luxurious spaces, light filled and sunny, with fabulous outlooks over the park, yet private.

The Dharug word ‘Woo‐la‐ra’ was translated in 1788 by a First Fleet officer as ‘The Look‐out’. The Woollahra/ Paddington area was linked to Sydney township by a rough track, possibly an earlier Aboriginal pathway, and later South Head Road (later Old South Head Road/Oxford Street) in 1811.

Cascade Terrace Gallery

Plans

Project info	Details
Team	Sam Crawford, Benjamin Chan, Christine Guan, Ken Warr
Builder	Invue Homes
Consultants	Structural Engineer – Partidge Landscape Architect – Spirit Level Designs Hydraulic Engineer – ITM Design PCA – Anthony Protas Consulting Quantity Surveyor – QS Plus Heritage Consultant – Weir Phillips Architects Town Planner – ASquare Planning
Council	Woollahra Council
Photographer	Brett Boardman
Published	The Local Paddo – Spring 2024 The Local Project Habitus Living – September 2023
Completion	2022

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